Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

It seems that Memorial Day is nothing more to most people than a time for cookouts and swim parties. We cannot be reminded enough about how great a debt we owe our soldiers who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Their sacrifice should inspire us to a profound sense of gratitude, and that gratitude should compel us to lives of service.

Remind yourself when you plan, prepare and cook for others that this too is a form of service. This Memorial Day consider giving your outdoor grill a break and enjoy some fresh chicken and shrimp spring rolls. They can be made the day before and are great for transporting to the lake to enjoy on the boat! And don't forget to say a word of thanks to all of our nation's war heroes.

Nicole did such a nice job carefully slicing the yummy veges!

As you can see by Nicole's face we were really excited about what was in store for dinner!


Here is the rice wrapper softened and our layering of the stuffing ingredients.


See, isn't it so beautiful?!? Looks like something gourmet!


Fold over the ends into a neat little package. Roll and tuck the veges as you go.


By this time we were jumping in the kitchen!

Delicious! Everyone loves these!

Spring Rolls

12-14 clear edible rice paper sheets

1 cooked chicken breast cut into thin strips

½ # cooked salad shrimp sliced thinly

½ cup chopped cilantro

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

1 carrot julienned

1 cucumber julienned

½ red pepper julienned

½ yellow pepper julienned

1 cup bean sprouts

½ avocado thinly sliced

¼ package vermicelli rice noodles, prepared according to package directions

Directions:

Have all meats precooked and cold and the rice noodles prepared already (the noodles should be white, long and at room temp)

Make sure all veggies are cleaned, dried, and set out before you start.

Dip a sheet of rice paper wrapper into warm water very quickly, no longer than 15-30 secs. (or they will get too soggy to work with) and lay flat on work surface.

In the middle start layering the ingredients all to taste but don’t overstuff.

Carefully fold up ends then fold over edges and roll up.

Serve with the amazing sauce. Combine the sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power, covered, until the peanut butter melts, only takes 15-30 secs. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth.

Sauce:

¼ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup wheat-free tamari soy sauce

¼ cup fresh lime juice

1 ½ tbp. Brown sugar

1 tbp. Rice vinegar

1 tsp. ground coriander

¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes